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Addressing VAWT Aerodynamic Challenges as the Key to Unlocking Their Potential in the Wind Energy Sector

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  • Abolfazl Abdolahifar

    (Advanced Wind Energy Technology Group, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia)

  • Amir Zanj

    (Advanced Wind Energy Technology Group, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia)

Abstract

While the wind turbine industry has been primarily dominated by horizontal-axis wind turbines, the forefront of knowledge of these turbines has revealed significant challenges in various aspects, including manufacturing, structural design, cost, and maintenance. On the other hand, the advantages associated with Darrieus vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) demonstrate significant potential that can address the existing challenges of the wind turbine industry. Current work aims to investigate the practicality of this potential for the wind energy sector. To this end, the benefits of employing Darrieus turbines for domestic and industrial applications, isolated operation, and on/offshore windfarm applications have been explored. It is apparent that Darrieus VAWTs are better suited to a wide range of environments, whether they are deployed in isolation or integrated systems, and whether they are utilized on a small or large scale. Darrieus VAWTs are adaptable to urban unsteady variable wind, are less expensive on large scales, provide higher power density at the windfarm level, and provide stability for offshore platforms. Nevertheless, challenges remain in fully harnessing VAWT potential rooted in their complex aerodynamics. This serves as a primary challenge for VAWTs to address the challenges of the wind turbine industry in line with the 2050 roadmap.

Suggested Citation

  • Abolfazl Abdolahifar & Amir Zanj, 2024. "Addressing VAWT Aerodynamic Challenges as the Key to Unlocking Their Potential in the Wind Energy Sector," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-17, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:20:p:5052-:d:1496342
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eriksson, Sandra & Bernhoff, Hans & Leijon, Mats, 2008. "Evaluation of different turbine concepts for wind power," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 12(5), pages 1419-1434, June.
    2. Kirke, B.K., 2011. "Tests on ducted and bare helical and straight blade Darrieus hydrokinetic turbines," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(11), pages 3013-3022.
    3. Davide Cazzaro & Gabriele Bedon & David Pisinger, 2023. "Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Layout Optimization," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-16, March.
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